#  Om-gnosis Episode 9: Interview with Parvathy Baul 

 





May 01, 2025

 

 

In this ninth episode of Om-gnosis, we interview Parvathy Baul, practitioner, performer, and teacher of the Baul tradition from Bengal, India. We discuss the importance of preserving intercultural and international exchange among spiritual seekers, the meaning of Baul (bāul) and its place in Bengali Indian, Bangladeshi, and global culture, how she met her guru Sanatan Das Baul, role of hidden or occult teachings in Baul songs, religious pluralism, the role of women in Baul practice, and the importance of sound and vibration in Baul music. The interview opens and closes with two songs offered by Parvathy Baul and her instruments specifically for this Om-gnosis interview.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University, or the Center for the Study of World Religions. We deeply value diversity of expression and respectful dialogue in keeping with our commitment to foster a welcoming and inclusive community.

[Listen to the full Om-gnosis Episode 9: Interview with Parvathy Baul](https://youtu.be/rEWN-Mkj3Fk).

[   ![Parvathy Baul seated smiling into the camera. Keith Cantu in the upper right corner of the image.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4346/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2025-06/Screenshot%202025-06-09%20134140.png?itok=fcbO8NR2) 

 ](https://youtu.be/rEWN-Mkj3Fk)

 

 

 

##  About Parvathy Baul 

Parvathy Baul is a practitioner, performer, and teacher of the Baul tradition from Bengal, India. She is also an instrumentalist, storyteller, and painter. She has performed in over forty countries, including prestigious concert halls and music festivals such as the Noh Theater in Kyoto, the World Music Center in New York City, the Melbourne Arts Center, and the Festival of World Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco. She has also collaborated with the world’s leading theater director, Eugenio Barba. She visits several dance, theatre, and music institutions across the globe in her capacity as a teacher.